Science
From mathematics and AI to medicine and psychology, The Optimist Daily features the latest news on discoveries, technological advances, and breakthroughs in the world of science. Our Science section is here to engage and enlighten you.
Plug-in electric car sales in Germany up by 80% in July
80% of year-over-year growth for plug-in electric car registrations in Germany enabled the second best ever result in July – 1,906. Only March was higher at 2,164. Sales split almost exactly in half between all-electric and plug-in hybrids – 962 and 944 respectively. Plug-in hybrids are Read More...
India just unveiled the world’s first airport completely operating on solar power
Cochin International Airport in the Indian state of Kerala this week became the first airport in the world that completely operates on solar power. The airport is connected to its own solar power plant on a near cargo complex, which is comprised of more than 46,000 solar panels, placed across 45 Read More...
James Bond goes green: Aston Martin releasing electric car
The new car will be an electric version of the existing Rapide sedan Aston Martin are known for making some of the most beautiful and powerful cars around, but they're not famed for their fuel efficiency. The company's looking to change that soon, with plans to release a completely electric car Read More...
Self-driving golf cart heads to university campus, retirement communities, and resorts
The startup Auro says its self-driving golf cart will lead to autonomous shuttles for theme parks, vacation resorts, and retirement communities. Even if limited to private roads, autonomous vehicles could significantly improve many people’s quality of life. This golf cart has been modified Read More...
World’s largest hydrogen station in the works for San Francisco
The world’s largest hydrogen fueling station could soon become San Francisco‘s biggest landmark if everything goes according to plan. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration, MARAD is currently reviewing the plan to add a massive hydrogen station to Read More...
A battery that can charge your electric car in just a matter of minutes
Israeli startup StoreDot is developing a new electric car battery that can fully charge in just a few minutes. Using nanotechnology to make new organic materials that make up the battery, the waiting time will only be a fraction of what it currently takes to charge a standard lithium-ion battery. Read More...
Forgetful scientists accidentally learn how to extend battery lifespan significantly
More good news on batteries! For that, we have to thank two forgetful scientists who, one day, forgot to follow the protocol of their own research in an MIT lab. Now, they have accidentally found out how rechargeable batteries can get a much improved lifespan. Geek has an interesting story about Read More...
Coal mining sector running out of time, says Citigroup
Industry unlikely to pick up without advances in carbon capture technology as governments seek to drive down emissions, banking giant warns. RTCC reports US banking giant Citigroup says the global coal industry is set for further pain, predicting an acceleration of mine closures, li uidations and Read More...
One chart that shows the success of Europe’s investment in renewable energy
Europe has spearheaded the drive to change from a system of power stations burning fossil fuels to one in which a significant proportion of electricy comes from non-polluting sources. Chart the spending on renewables in Europe and the bloc’s emissions, and a pattern is clear. Investment in Read More...
Electric car sales are soaring in Europe (but not the US)
You might think that the US would be the hotbed for electric car sales given California's fondness for green transportation, but nope -- it's Europe. The European Automobile Manufacturers Association reports that EV sales in the European Union shot up 78 percent year-over-year in the first half of Read More...